Reliability guide for used Audi A5, S5 and RS5 B8 cars
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Produced between 2008 and 2015, the Audi A5 B8 is a premium family sedan available as a sedan, Avant (estate), and Allroad.
It was later offered in sporty versions: the S5 (V6 3.0 TFSI) and the RS5 (V8 4.2 FSI).
Highlights of the A5 B8
- Build quality and driving comfort are significantly improved.
- Good road handling, especially in quattro.
- Wide range of engines, petrol and diesel.
- Sporty S5 and RS5 versions with a distinctive character.
Reliability by engine
Essence
1.8 TFSI (120-160-170-180 hp)
- Major problem: excessive oil consumption → defective piston rings on many examples before 2012.
- Risk of engine failure if the oil level is not monitored.
- After 2012, Audi fixed the problem, but vigilance is still required.
2.0 TFSI (180-211-225 hp)
- The same oil consumption issue as on the 1.8 TFSI, especially on versions produced before 2012.
- Some cases of faulty water pumps .
- Otherwise, a good compromise between performance and fuel consumption.
3.2 FSI V6 (265 hp)
- Overall reliable.
- Risk of valve fouling due to direct injection.
- Check the condition of the timing chain (more robust than the 4-cylinder TFSI).
Audi S5 B8 – 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (333 hp)
- Highly regarded engine, generally reliable.
- Points to be aware of:
- Fragile water pump .
- Timing chain : tensioners can wear out, rattling noise when cold should be monitored.
- Possible oil consumption (less frequent than on the 2.0 TFSI).
- An excellent choice in terms of reliability/performance.
Audi RS5 B8 – 4.2 V8 FSI (450 hp)
- Very robust naturally aspirated engine.
- Main problem: valve fouling (related to direct injection), which requires decarbonizing around 80,000-100,000 km.
- There have been some cases of oil consumption, but overall it's reliable if monitored.
Diesel
2.0 TDI (120-143-150-170-177 hp)
- 143 hp versions (CAGA engine) : oil pump and balancing module issues, which can lead to engine failure → must be checked.
- Injectors and EGR valve are fragile, especially on urban journeys.
- After 2011, the blocks are generally more reliable.
2.7 V6 TDI (190 hp)
- Reliable overall, but watch out for the timing chain (suspicious noise = wear).
- EGR and DPF are sensitive in urban use.
3.0 V6 TDI (204-245 hp)
- Good engine, torquey and robust.
- Timing chain can sometimes become noisy with age.
- EGR and DPF are fragile if poorly maintained.
How to check known engine problems engine by engine
Before any test: always start the engine cold, listen, observe the temperature rise and check the behavior over at least 20 km.
1.8 TFSI
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Timing chain : metallic noise on cold start = worn tensioner.
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Oil consumption : check the level before/after testing (rapid drop = warning).
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Clogged intake : hesitation during acceleration or unstable idle.
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Recommendation : require invoices for tensioner replacement if over 100,000 km.
2.0 TFSI
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Oil : same checks as for the 1.8.
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Injectors : misfires when hot or smell of petrol = faulty injectors.
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Carbon buildup : loss of power at medium engine speeds, especially when hot.
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High-pressure pump : difficult to start after a brief stop.
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Recommendation : favour phase 2 (post-2012) where the oil problem is corrected.
3.2 FSI V6
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Water pump : slow or irregular temperature rise = pump is worn out.
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Thermostat : temperature that does not stabilize.
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Leaks : visible seepage under the engine block.
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Recommendation : request invoices for water pump and thermostat replacement.
2.0 TDI
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EGR : irregular idle or grey smoke when cold = clogged EGR.
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DPF : engine warning light and frequent regenerations = clogging.
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Turbo : abnormal whistling or loss of power = turbo needs to be checked.
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Injectors : vibrations at idle = check required.
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Recommendation : require proof of successful EGR/DPF regenerations or cleaning.
3.0 TDI
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Chain : noise when cold near the firewall = worn tensioner.
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Injectors/turbos : blue or black smoke = probable wear.
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EGR : unstable idle = mandatory check.
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Recommendation : request full history, including Dieselgate recall.
Other known issues (all versions)
- Multitronic (CVT) gearboxes : unreliable, avoid if possible (prefer manual or S tronic).
- Power steering : leaks on rack and pinion sometimes reported.
- Electronics : ABS sensors, MMI, temperamental parking radar.
- Front axle : silent blocks and suspension arms wear out quite quickly.
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Which model should I choose?
- Daily use : 2.0 TDI after 2011 or 2.0 TFSI after 2012 (corrected oil consumption).
- Reliable V6 diesel : 3.0 TDI, an excellent choice for longevity/performance.
- A well-balanced sports car : the S5 B8, powerful and relatively reliable.
- Collector's icon : RS5 B8 with its naturally aspirated V8, one of the last of its kind.
